a benefit gala
Thanks to the generous support of our CEF community, the 2022 Gaudeamus was an incredible success, raising more than $2.4 million towards scholarships for students in need. Watch the videos below and follow us to see more highlights.
On behalf of the schools and students CEF supports, thank you for continuing the vision of our founders and helping put Catholic education within reach of every family.
Saturday, October 29, 2022
Overland Park Convention Center
6:00 pm
The 2021 Gaudeamus benefit gala, CEF’s signature fundraising event, will be celebrated live and in-person at the
Overland Park Convention Center on Saturday, October 23rd! Funds raised support Catholic school scholarships for
low-income students throughout the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.
Last year’s Gaudeamus gala empowered CEF to provide more than $2 million in scholarship funding to nearly 1,500 low-income students in the ‘20-’21 school year. Thanks to your generosity, seniors supported by CEF scholarships achieved a 100% graduation and matriculation rate last spring, despite the challenges of the pandemic.
Right now, more than 200 students living in poverty are waiting for a scholarship - and your support of this year’s Gaudeamus gala can rewrite the future for these children in need.
Saturday, October 23rd, 2021
Overland Park Convention Center
6:00 pm Cocktails
7:15 pm Dinner
8:45 pm Live Band & Dancing
Cocktail Attire
To celebrate our 25th anniversary, we are recognizing our founders - Blake Mulvany, Tom Zarda, Rich Henry, Archbishop James P. Keleher, Sr. Vickie Perkins, and Leonard & Ellen McKinzie.
Their vision of changing the status quo has fueled our mission and helped thousands of students and families in need.
The Catholic Education Foundation’s Gaudeamus benefit gala has been the backbone of scholarship funding for low-income K-12 Catholic school students in northeast Kansas for 20 years.
This year's event will provide the majority of the annual funds needed for CEF’s traditional, tuition-assistance scholarships. CEF provides support to more than 1,800 students in 27 schools throughout the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.
This year's Gaudeamus chairs are Kyle and Nicole Hill and Jake and Ashley Rieke.
Together, they will help us recognize our founding leaders and celebrate the tremendous impact CEF scholarships have had on our students, schools and communities.
“It's like this weight just came off of you and you're thinking, 'My kids are gonna have a faith-filled education because I was able to receive this scholarship.' Thank you for the opportunities you have given my children.”
In 2022, we recognized the small group of Catholics whose lifelong passion for Catholic education and vision of changing the status quo, has fueled our mission and helped thousands of students and families in need. Meet our founders and hear their perspective on CEF's 25-year history.
Mark your calendar! The 2023 Gaudeamus benefit gala will be held on Saturday, October 28th, 2023 at the Overland Park Convention Center.
Plan to join us as we celebrate the truth, beauty and goodness of Catholic education!
JOIN THE LISTThe Catholic Education Foundation provides scholarships for low-income students to attend K-12 Catholic schools. We’re working every day to make high-quality, faith-filled education possible for children in poverty.
